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Andrew Surman turned 21 last Monday, and Saturday's performance against Stoke showed he is truly coming of age on the pitch as well.

The presence of England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce and South Africa boss Carlos Alberto Parreira could have been an added distraction for Johannesburg-born and English-bred Surman.

But the youngster seized the opportunity to make an impression.

Playing on the left of midfield, Surman scored Saints' first goal with the kind of left-footed scorcher which helped #10million Spurs full-back Gareth Bale make his name on the south coast after the Potters had gone ahead through Ricardo Fuller.

And Southampton academy graduate Surman built on his goal in the second half, providing a pin-point cross for Grzegorz Rasiak to head home Saints' second, then Jhon Viafara benefiting when the Stoke defence could not clear another dangerous centre to further stretch the lead.

Sub Jon Parkin powered in a header from an 81stminute corner to give the visitors hope, but Saints held on to secure their first points of the season.

Man of the match Surman is yet to decide which country he would represent if he received a call-up, but admitted he was flattered by the interest. He said: "I had an inkling they were watching but you don't really think about it as you would end up putting pressure on yourself.

"I've got belief in my own ability and I have to perform and see what happens. I haven't heard from either of them."